Innehållsförteckning för Issue 190 från The Week Junior US

Israel and Hamas agreed to a six-day pause in the war that began on October 7. This allowed for the release of dozens of hostages and prisoners on both sides and the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the Palestinian territory where the fighting has been taking place. What happened? Since Hamas, a terrorist group based in Gaza, attacked Israel on October 7 and took more than 200 people hostage, Israel has been heavily bombing the territory. The US and Qatar (see box above) spent weeks negotiating with Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire (stop to the fighting), as well as the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. A four-day pause began on November 23 and was extended for…

SAVING SALAMANDERS An effort is underway to help axolotls, the “smiling” salamanders from Mexico whose numbers are dropping. Wildlife experts are asking people to donate to virtually “adopt” an axolotl, name it, and help save the species. A TOP HONOR A Sealyham terrier named Stache won Best in Show at the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day as more than 20 million people watched on TV. Stache’s handler, Margery Good, praised his performance. “He stretched his little short legs and hands and flew around this ring,” she said. REDUCING HUNGER When growers in West Virginia had too many apples and nowhere to sell them, the fruit could’ve gone to waste. Instead, 10 million pounds of apples were purchased through a special program and donated to food pantries across the US.…

A six-week strike (refusal to work as a form of protest) by about 40,000 autoworkers ended when the United Auto Workers union announced that 64% of its members had agreed to new contracts offered by car companies Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. In a deal that the union and the companies called “historic,” workers will get large wage increases and bonuses. The deal protects the future of the business, said Mary Barra, the head of General Motors.…

Electronic cigarettes were invented by a pharmacist in China who wanted to quit smoking tobacco cigarettes. Today, tens of millions of people worldwide vape—including kids. A recent study found that in the US, more than 2.1 million people under age 18 are vaping, including 10% of high school students and 4.6% of middle schoolers. And 89.4% of those kids used flavored vapes, even though they’re illegal. Some people are concerned about the health effects of e-cigarettes on young people and want them banned. Others see them as an important way to help people stop smoking. What do you think? Should vaping be banned? Yes—the harmful effects are unknown Vaping might be less harmful than smoking tobacco, but it still causes people to inhale potentially harmful substances, like tar and carbon…

At least 125 species of mammals glow when they are under ultraviolet (UV) light, according to a new study. This phenomenon, called fluorescence, had been previously observed in several other animals, including jellyfish and scorpions. However, scientists have learned that the trait is surprisingly common in mammals. UV light is all around us, including in the Sun’s rays, but it usually cannot be seen by human eyes. However, when UV light shines on substances called phosphors, they reflect visible light and appear to glow in the dark. Researchers in Western Australia studied a wide range of mammals, including koalas, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and leopards, under UV light. They found that the fur, skin, spines, and nails of many animals showed some degree of fluorescence. Only white or light-colored fur was…

“Is there more than one type of giraffe?” Hannah, 9, Georgia Sara Morgan Senior keeper, Oregon Zoo Yes, there are nine types—also called subspecies—of giraffe. In the wild, these groups can be found throughout much of the continent of Africa. Two different subspecies live at the Oregon Zoo, where I work: a Masai giraffe named Buttercup and a reticulated giraffe named Desi. Do you have a question for an animal expert? Send it to hello@theweekjunior.com. Find out more about Oregon Zoo at oregonzoo.org.…

A site called Cañadón Tomás Quarry in Argentina is a treasure trove of fossils (preserved traces of ancient plants and animals) of dinosaurs and animals that lived at the end of the Cretaceous period. The site was discovered in 2020. The fossils are rare in that part of the world and offer scientists insight into life just before the mass extinction that killed off 75% of all living things on Earth. The team has found dozens of bones from what they believe could be a herd of hadrosaurs, a duck-billed dinosaur. Other finds include a tooth believed to be from an abelisaurid, a type of large meat-eating dinosaur, plus non-dinosaur fossils, such as a backbone from a snake and the jawbone of a small mammal called a reigitheriid.…

A new dress is digital and interactive and changes its look in real time. Called Project Primrose, the dress is made up of hundreds of small sequins, which are actually tiny screens. With the push of a button, the wearer can change what’s on the screens to make different patterns, like stripes or diamonds, or a moving design. The dress was developed by the tech company Adobe. Its designers hope the technology can be used in fashion, home decor, and advertising.…

On November 25, several college football teams played their rivals in games across the country. One matchup was one of the most anticipated competitions of the season and featured two unbeaten Big Ten East teams: second-ranked Ohio State University and third-ranked University of Michigan. Because of their longtime rivalry, the contest is simply known as “The Game.” For the third year in a row, Michigan came out on top, this time with a 30–24 victory at home in Ann Arbor. Michigan won without head coach Jim Harbaugh on the sidelines. He had been suspended for three games by the Big Ten conference, which concluded that Michigan had violated its sportsmanship policy by having a scout attend opponents’ games and steal their signs. “The Game” was a thrilling back-and-forth contest. Halfway…

The works of beloved British illustrator and children’s book author Beatrix Potter are on display in an exhibit at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia. Beatrix Potter Drawn to Nature explores how Potter’s life as a storyteller was inspired by her love of nature. The show originated at the Victoria and Albert Museum in the UK and will be in Atlanta until January 7, 2024. Potter is best known for The Tales of Peter Rabbit, which was first published in 1901 and remains one of the best-selling children’s books of all time. She wrote and illustrated 28 books that told stories about animal characters. Later in life, she became a scientist and conservationist. About 150 items are on display in Atlanta, including Potter’s personal objects, letters, watercolor paintings,…

“This show follows the adventures of bionic teens Adam, Bree, and Chase and their stepbrother, Leo. The father of the bionic kids is a billionaire inventor. At the beginning of the series, Adam has super strength and heat vision. Bree has super speed, and Chase has super intelligence and many other cool abilities. They go on missions and save lives, but their identities are kept a secret, so they also go to school and live as typical kids. The show has humor, suspense, action, and amazing acting, and it leaves you on the edge of your seat every time an episode ends.” Gianna, 12, New York Do you have a film or TV show to recommend to other kids? Send your review to hello@theweekjunior.com.…

After 14 years without a new installment, the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series is back! The sixth book takes place when Percy, the son of the Greek god of the sea, is a senior in high school. Even though he’s lost count of how many times he’s saved the world, he is struggling with how he’ll get admitted to his college of choice: New Rome University in California. Percy’s father tells him he needs three letters of recommendations from gods in order to submit his application. To acquire each of the letters, he will need to complete heroic quests. Ganymede, cup-bearer to the gods, gives Percy the first quest. The Chalice of the Gods, a magical goblet, has been stolen, and Percy, along with friends Annabeth and Grover, need…

Cook It! The Dr. Seuss Cookbook for Kid Chefs By Daniel Gercke (Random House Books for Young Readers) Oh, the dishes you can cook from this book that contains more than 50 recipes based on the rhymes in Dr. Seuss books. There are several versions of green eggs and ham, as well as Cat Hat Parfaits and One Fish, Tuna Fish sammies. Ages 8 and up The Little House Cookbook By Barbara M. Walker, illustrated by Garth Williams (HarperCollins) This cookbook has more than 100 recipes inspired by the Little House series, which described life on the prairie in the late 1800s. You may recognize some dishes, such as pumpkin pie. Others, like cottage-cheese balls, may be new to you. Ages 8 and up The Official Fablehaven Cookbook By Brandon Mull…

Pop goes the record! A 13-year-old in Germany has set a new world record for the fastest time to burst 20 balloons by doing backward somersaults on a trampoline. In front of a live TV audience and wearing sneakers with pins sticking out from the tops, Julius Bille flipped over and over to pop the balloons as they rotated above his head. “This is a complicated record to attempt,” the show’s host said, “especially for a 13-year-old.” But Bille achieved the feat in 44.37 seconds, shattering the previous record of 82.66 seconds on his first try.…

“After I turned 7, I promised to dedicate every other birthday to helping others. Vibha, the nonprofit I chose, works to provide a good education to all children in India. My journey with them started a few months back when I set up a fundraising page and attended the Civil 20 (G20) working group in Atlanta, Georgia. I also visited a government school in New Delhi in the summer to learn about the organization’s work. My experience raising funds for Vibha’s 25th year Dream Mile walk/run was amazing. Many people think asking for donations is easy, but trust me, it is very hard. I sent private messages and conducted a webinar with volunteers, supporters, and donors. The charity walk/run took place on September 17 in Atlanta and was attended by…

“When I read The Week Junior, it helps me learn about animals, places, and what’s going on in the world.”Eshwer, 8, Texas “I made the coconut curry noodles for my mom’s birthday, and they are so yummy! Thanks for the suggestion, The Week Junior!”Lucy, 11, Minnesota “I love The Week Junior, and I can always count on it for the sports updates every week!”Sam, 10, New York…

1 About how many decorative lights are used in the “Magic, Wonder, and Joy” holiday display at the White House this year? a) 1,424 b) 14,242 c) 142,425 a ◻ b ◻ c ◻ 2 True or false? House cats are known to have long vocal cords. True ◻ False ◻ 3 The video game Mineko’s Night Market is set in a fictionalized version of what country? a) Vietnam b) Japan c) SouthKorea a ◻ b ◻ c ◻ 4 In the new book The Chalice of the Gods, Percy hopes to attend which university? 5 A new study suggests that which of the following could have wiped out the dinosaurs? a) Earthquakes b) Hurricanes c) Volcanoes a ◻ b ◻ c ◻ 6 True or false? Author and scientist Temple…

A historic smoking ban passed in New Zealand in 2022 will be repealed, the nation’s new prime minister, Christopher Luxon, announced on November 27. The law was passed under former prime minister Jacinda Ardern, who left office in January, and was set to go into effect by July 2024. The law banned the sale of tobacco products like cigarettes to people under the age of 15 (or born after January 2009) and applied to them for the rest of their lives. It was designed to create a smoke-free generation and eventually put an end to smoking. New Zealand was the first country in the world to pass such expansive legislation. Luxon said his top priority is improving the economy and that repealing the ban would bring in money from tobacco…

Memorial services honoring former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who died on November 19 at age 96, took place this week in her home state of Georgia. Carter was the wife and political partner of Jimmy Carter, the 39th US President, and a lifelong champion of humanitarian causes. What were the services? Three days of events were organized to celebrate Carter’s life and legacy. Services began on November 27 with a ceremony at Georgia Southwestern State University, the college Carter graduated from in 1946. Later that day, members of the public paid their respects at the Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta. On November 28, a tribute service was held at a church at Emory University, where Carter had been a fellow in the women’s studies department. A private funeral…

Temple Grandin, a renowned animal behavior scientist who has autism, a developmental disorder, is the author of more than 15 books. Her new book, Different Kinds of Minds: A Guide to Your Brain, is an adapted version for young readers of her 2022 best-selling book Visual Thinking. Grandin, age 76, was born in Massachusetts. She did not speak until about age 3 and was later diagnosed with autism. She credits her teachers for helping her overcome learning challenges in school. “Studying was a pathway to becoming a scientist,” she told The Week Junior. Grandin developed her passion for animals and their welfare while visiting cattle ranches as a teenager. In college, she earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in animal science. Currently, she teaches animal science at Colorado State…

A happy cat makes a sound that is unique among animals: the purr. Cat purrs typically have a low vocal frequency, producing a deep sound, which is unusual for such a small animal. Now researchers may have discovered how cats produce their distinctive purrs. Many mammals, including cats and humans, produce sounds through a hollow tube in their neck called the larynx, also known as the “voice box.” As air flows through the larynx, it causes bands of muscle called vocal cords to vibrate, producing sound. Typically, larger animals have longer vocal cords, which produce a deeper sound, just as a cello or upright bass produces lower notes than a violin. House cats, however, have short vocal cords, and their meows have a high vocal frequency. To make deeper-sounding purrs,…

Vaquitas A protected area in Mexico’s Gulf of California is being expanded by about 60% in order to save the 10 vaquitas that are still surviving in the wild. Conservationists are working to prevent them from getting caught in fishing nets. Spotted owls Only one wild-born spotted owl remains in Canada, and the country refused to issue an emergency order to protect the bird. The species might not recover, since most of its habitat has been destroyed by logging (cutting down trees).…

The Sydney Opera House, one of the most innovative structures in the world, was the result of one man’s daring vision. Creative design In 1956, the Australian government sponsored an international contest to design a new opera house on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour. Competitors from 30 countries submitted 233 designs. The winner was Jørn Utzon, a 38-year-old architect from Denmark. His modern, dramatic design—featuring white interlocking panels resembling large sails—was hailed by the judges for its “originality” and potential to have the opera house seen as “one of the great buildings of the world.” Utzon’s idea was ambitious—and complicated to execute. Due to construction delays, it ultimately took 14 years and $102 million to complete the building. A national treasure On October 20, 1973, Queen Elizabeth II, who was…

The Dog Aging Project is a 10-year effort to learn more about how dogs age and how to help them live longer and stay healthier in their later years. Its findings could also reveal more about the aging process in humans. The project is open to dogs of all breeds, and more than 45,000 dogs have been enrolled by their owners so far. Owners fill out an annual survey describing their dog’s health, lifestyle, and home environment. The research team collects data on how those factors may affect the dog’s aging. Owners can also send in their dog’s veterinary records and samples of the pet’s hair, saliva, and DNA (chemical that carries all the information about a living thing) for study. So far, the Dog Aging Project has released several…

From November 17 to November 26, the 2023 Parapan American Games were held in Santiago, Chile. The ParapanAm Games are a major competition held every four years for top athletes from North and South America, Central America, and the Caribbean with physical, visual, or intellectual impairments. This year’s event attracted more than 2,000 athletes and featured 18 sports including swimming, archery, basketball, and cycling. Team Brazil was the champion of the 2023 Games, earning a total of 343 medals, including 156 golds. Team USA finished in second place with 166 medals, including 55 golds. Colombia came in third with 161 medals. Team USA was made up of 148 men and 92 women from 39 states. The Americans competed in 16 sports and won medals in all of them. At the…

Coach’s Name: Derrick Bailey Team: Vandeventer Vikings (basketball) “Coach Bailey is very nice and kind to us. If we mess up in a drill, instead of yelling at us, he tells us the right way and we end up doing it correctly. Not only is he my favorite coach, but he is also one of the best staff members at my school. Our basketball tryouts are coming up, and Coach Bailey shows all of us a lot of love and support. He says that if you work hard, anything can happen. That is why he is my favorite coach.” Akhil, 13, Texas To nominate a Coach of the Week, send your coach’s name, photo, sport, and team to hello@theweekjunior.com. Include your name, age, state, and a few reasons why your…

Early life Beatrix Potter was born in what is now London, England, in 1866. She spent family holidays in nature-filled Scotland and northwest England, which inspired her love of animals and her artwork. Natural subjects By age 8, Potter was painting and sketching flowers, birds, and other animals. Later in life, she drew detailed illustrations of insects (right) and mushrooms that were used for scientific research. Generous donor When the author and illustrator died in 1943, she left 4,000 acres of land and 14 farms to England’s National Trust. Today, her farmhouse known as Hill Top is one of the country’s largest and most popular scenic reserves.…

The Family Switch (Netflix) In this new comedy, Jess and Bill Walker are a mom and dad who feel disconnected from their kids. One morning, they all wake up to discover they’ve switched bodies. The family must work together to make it through a day of big events, including a job promotion and soccer tryouts. Hilda (Netflix) Fearless blue-haired Hilda is back for a third and final season of adventures in this award-winning series based on the Hildafolk graphic novels. She travels through a magical wilderness and the city of Trolberg, where she makes friends and faces elves and giants. Lost Cities Revealed with Albert Lin (NatGeo) (Disney+) (Hulu) Follow adventurer Albert Lin in this new documentary series as he explores cities that were once home to ancient civilizations. Using drones…

What inspired the Percy Jackson series? I was inspired to write the series when my son was young and struggling with ADHD and dyslexia. I started telling him Greek myths to get him interested in learning. Did you always want to be a writer? I knew early on that I wanted to do two things in life. One was to write books, and the other was to be a teacher. And I was lucky enough to do both. How is this book different from the others? This is the first time Percy has narrated a novel in first person. Do you have a favorite god or goddess? I got attached to Apollo at one point. He is so versatile with his archery, music, and poetry. What superpower would…

The holiday season is an ideal time to spread joy by giving to others. Making a card, volunteering, or simply spreading kindness not only lifts other people’s spirits but can also make your own holiday season more meaningful. Here are some ways to give back. Start small Small gestures, especially during the holidays, can have a larger impact than you might expect. The holiday season can feel lonely or stressful to some people. Simple acts of kindness like stopping to say hi to a neighbor who lives alone, carrying packages for another person, or holding a store door open takes barely any time but can add a bright spot to someone’s day. Show thanks You may already express your gratitude to parents, other relatives, and friends who give you presents…

SHARE EXPERIENCE GIFTS THIS SEASON At this time of year, you may be sharing gift ideas with family and friends. One to consider giving or asking for: experience gifts. An experience gift is something the recipient can do, rather than a material item. It could include things like a restaurant gift card, movie or theater tickets, or a season pass to a local attraction like a museum or zoo. These types of gifts are often better for the environment than material items because they don’t involve the production and transportation of more stuff, which uses up natural resources and can cause pollution. Experience gifts are also fun—and the perfect way to make holiday memories with the people you love.…

As we head into the December holiday season, several stories in this week’s issue may put you in a festive mood. In our National News section, we report on the unveiling of the 2023 White House decorations with their theme of “Magic, Wonder, and Joy” (p5). The 300 volunteers who spent a full week helping to put them in place did an amazing job! The main story in our How To section offers advice on giving back during the holidays, plus a list of organizations that are helping others now and all year round (p24). We also have easy craft instructions for making and painting giant paper snowflakes and tips on giving and receiving experience gifts (p25)—which are a nice way to spend time with loved ones while also helping…

Jane, who is 8 years old and in third grade, told us her school is special because it hosts a pancake breakfast and the dads make different types of pancakes. She also likes that her school teaches students about many things, such as the Vikings, ancient Rome, and drama. If you want to share what’s great about your school, go to kids.theweekjunior.com/activities to print out a form. Fill it out, then have an adult email it to us at hello@theweekjunior.com. We’ll feature some of the submissions on this page in future issues.…

Teacher’s Name: Mrs. Davis School: Penn Wood Elementary School “Mrs. Davis is the most supportive, loving, and encouraging teacher I could ever want for second grade. She has inspired me to learn so many new things and to work hard at improving my writing skills. She helps all students in her class learn at their pace and makes sure everybody understands what she is teaching before moving on. I wouldn’t want anyone else for a second grade teacher!” Jesse, 8, Pennsylvania Nominate your teacher for Teacher of the Week! Send your reason for the nomination, a photo of your teacher, and your school’s name and address to hello@theweekjunior.com.…

December 3, 1800 Jefferson and Burr tie for President In the fourth Presidential election, Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr received the same number of votes in the electoral college (the system that determines the US Presidential election). The House of Representatives had to break the tie. After rounds of voting, Jefferson was named President and Burr became Vice President. At that time, the runner-up for President was automatically Vice President.…

Paris, France Works of art will be shared The world’s leading museum of impressionist art (characterized by small, thin, visible brushstrokes) is celebrating the art movement’s 150th anniversary by sending impressionist artworks on tour. In early 2024, the Musée d’Orsay in Paris plans to send 178 pieces from its collection to museums across France and then to Washington, DC. The works include paintings by Claude Monet, Édouard Manet, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Tirana, Albania Politicians set off smoke bombs Politicians set off smoke bombs during a meeting of Albania’s parliament (similar to Congress) on November 20. The chaos was created by members of the Democratic Party (DP), the main opposition to the ruling Socialist Party. The DP’s leader, Sali Berisha, previously accused Albania’s government of trying to silence political opposition. Despite…

Pied tamarin monkey In Brazil, this species has been changing how it communicates because of loud city noises. Pied tamarin monkeys living outside the city of Manaus have been using smells rather than sounds to send messages to other groups. ● LIFE SPAN: About 10 years in the wild ● HABITAT: Forest in and around Manaus, Brazil ● SIZE: About 12 inches long, plus a 16-inch tail ● DIET: Fruits, flowers, tree sap, insects, and frogs ● FUN FACT: Female pied tamarin monkeys almost always give birth to twins.…

It’s widely accepted among scientists that all non-bird dinosaurs went extinct 66 million years ago after an asteroid struck what is now the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. The impact triggered a mass extinction event, when about 75% of the living species on Earth died out. New research supports an alternate theory that has been debated for many years: Dinosaurs may have already been on their way out, thanks to extensive volcanic eruptions. Major volcanic activity has been linked to other mass extinction events in Earth’s history. Erupting volcanoes emit the chemicals carbon dioxide and sulfur into the atmosphere, which can contribute to an unstable environment. Scientists Alexander Cox and Brenhin Keller of Dartmouth College in New Hampshire wanted to see how much that may have affected the dinosaurs at the…

A sequel to the popular animated film Inside Out is coming to movie theaters next June. Recently, Disney Pixar released the first short teaser trailer for Inside Out 2, which gave fans a peek at the new story and a major new character. Inside Out, which won an Oscar (top film award) for Best Animated Feature in 2016, was about the emotions that lived in the brain of an 11-year-old girl, Riley, and controlled her behavior. The main characters were Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Fear, and Anger. In the new film, Riley is two years older and her emotions are joined by a new character, Anxiety (voiced by actress Maya Hawke). The film’s director, Kelsey Mann, said Anxiety “might be new to the crew, but she’s not really the type to take…

Mineko’s Night Market is a business and social simulation game. Released in September for the Nintendo Switch and PC, it is now out for the PlayStation platforms and Xbox systems. Like the games Animal Crossing and Story of Seasons, Mineko’s Night Market is set in a town that has amazing residents but needs to attract business. You play as Mineko, a girl who moves to a cat-filled island that is like a fictionalized version of Japan. Much of the game celebrates Japanese culture and crafts. The island town is struggling when Mineko arrives. It may have to do with Nikko, a giant cat spirit that seems to be floating around the island and puzzling visiting secret agents. Mineko has to figure out that mystery, but her first task is reviving…

“The Inquisitor’s Tale takes place in the year 1242. It’s about three children and their dog, and they are all considered saints. The story is told at an inn while a story collector is trying to learn about these children. Their goal is to stop a large amount of Jewish holy books from being burned. I liked this book because it keeps you on the edge of your seat.” Alistair, 8, California Do you have a book to recommend? Send your review to hello@theweekjunior.com.…

Toys for Tots Run by the Marine Corps Reserve, this organization collects more than 24 million new toys and games each year to distribute to kids in need. You can find a local drop-off location at toysfortots.org. Ronald McDonald House Ronald McDonald House Charities offers housing and assistance to families who have a child who is in the hospital. At the holidays, many of the locations raise extra money to buy special decorations, gifts, food, and more for families. Find a location at rmhc.org. One Simple Wish During the holidays, One Simple Wish receives nearly 10,000 requests from kids who are living in foster care. You can visit onesimplewish.org to grant a holiday wish for anything from a winter coat to art supplies to toys. Meals on Wheels This organization…

Word search Can you find all these words associated with photography in the grid? They are hidden horizontally, vertically, or diagonally and can be forward or backward. When you’re done, read the remaining letters to get a bonus message. ALBUM BLURRY CANDID COLOR CROP DIGITAL EXPOSURE FILTER FLASH FOCUS FRAME JPEG LENS LIGHT PANORAMA PHOTOBOMB PICTURE PORTRAIT POSE SAY CHEESE SELFIE SHOT SHUTTER SMILE SNAP TRIPOD VIEWFINDER ZOOM FILL IN THE BLANKS Fill in the blanks in each sentence with words that are the same except for a different pair of double letters, like BUNNY and BUDDY. (NEED A HINT? Check the bottom of the page.) ANSWERS CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE 29. 1. I never thought the catcher would————that pop fly when it looked like he had time to…